Bahrain, 27 April 2008 - Azal, Al Tayer Insignia's multi-brand store for luxury watches and fine jewellery, held a lavish event for its VIP customers at the exclusive Island at the Ritz Carlton on 23rd April 2008, to showcase a selection of its exquisite fine jewellery and luxury watches brands.

They also announced a major new brand to their expanding portfolio - one of Britain's most respected and award-winning jewellery designers Stephen Webster - whose love for Rock and Roll is reflected in his exciting designs which have made him a favourite amongst the international style leaders and A-list celebrities.

Guests were treated to a glittering cocktail reception inside a specially erected marquee, where the decor reflected Azal's own style of contemporary, international elegance, but with an oriental twist to add local flavour.  Mashrabia-patterned coffee tables and black lounge style seating was provided together with Arabic lamps and carpets to complement the theme. 

The same synthesis of styles was reflected in the entertainment and refreshment choices - both the DJ and violinist played a mix of Arabic and international, modern lounge music.  Arabic-Western fusion canapés and drinks were served by staff wearing distinctive Arabic outfits in black and white.  

Senior representatives from Al Tayer Insignia were present, including Jewellery Division Manager Ezzeddine El Baba who welcomed the guests and introduced the store concept and the brands.  The speech was followed by three trunk shows, where international models mingled amongst the guests to give a closer glimpse of the jewellery and watches on display, and Azal staff invited the guests to try on a selection of the pieces presented on trays. 

Azal first opened its doors in Bahrain in July 2007, in the new extension of Al A'Ali Mall, Bahrain's premium shopping destination. Since then it has built up a solid base of discerning customers who desire contemporary style and quality in watches and fine jewellery. 

The store, which boasts a total space of over 150 square meters, retails some of the best names in watches and jewellery from across the globe.  The jewellery selection boasts such unique and celebrated brands as top UK designer Theo Fennell, renowned for his iconic heart and key charms and pendants, Egyptian designer Azza Fahmy, New York-based "Queen of Hearts" Judith Ripka, red carpet "jeweller to the stars" Neil Lane from Los Angeles, avant-garde Italian jeweller Pianegonda, John Hardy from the tropical island of Bali, Alfieri & St. John amongst many others.

The watches collection includes such prestigious European brands as Alain Silberstein, motorsports-inspired BRM, jewellery watch brand Guy Ellia, contemporary Swiss watchmaker Villemont, and futuristic, sporty Italian brand, U-Boat.

Shireen El Khatib, CEO of Al Tayer Insignia commented "The opening of the Bahrain store is part of Azal's continuing expansion plans in the Middle East which, added to the four stores in the UAE, will increase to fifteen stores across the GCC planned by 2010, following the same selective strategy of only prestigious locations".

The Azal store is designed to sleek contemporary lines, the exterior sporting a combination of glass, dark brown wood and metal, projecting a sense of lightness and modernity. The interior of the store is a continuation of the exterior's sophisticated minimalist design.  Showcases are styled to give a sense of distinctiveness and movement, where customers can absorb the individual personalities of the brands and then move easily from one brand to another.

Azal is designed to cater to the needs of connoisseurs where high service standards, knowledgeable staff and quality products come together to guarantee a rewarding experience.

-Ends- 

About Al Tayer Group
Al Tayer Group is a diversified regional business established in 1979 with its headquarters in Dubai, UAE. Since its inception, the Group has grown rapidly and currently operates in 12 countries in the Middle-East with over 5,300 employees of 85 nationalities. It has built leading operations in multiple sectors, including automotive, contracting, distribution, publishing, retail, and services.

Al Tayer Group represents over 600 global leading brands that span from Ferrari, Ford, Land Rover and Jaguar, among others, in the automotive sector to the likes of ABB and Danzas in services.

In retail, Al Tayer Group has firmly anchored its position as the leader in the Middle East through the representation of major brands such as Harvey Nichols, Armani, Gucci, Pucci, Bvlgari and Boucheron, to name but a mere few. In addition, the Group has created and built a network of dedicated home-grown retail chains in fashion, jewellery & watches, perfumes & cosmetics, as well as interiors & furnishings. Complementing its position in luxury retail, the Group's portfolio also includes leading lifestyle brands such as Gap and Banana Republic.

For further information, please contact:
Emma Rymer, Account Manager
Al Tayer Press Office
Tel: +9714 2011158
Fax: +9714 2824901
E-mail: erymer@altayer.com 

© Press Release 2008